The Mighty Hand of God…
By: Kelley Hinson
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”
Romans 12:12.
Are there things in your life recently that you have been struggling with? Have you been wrestling with yourself and the feelings that are surfacing? Have you been feeling guilty for these feelings thinking to yourself, “this is not how I’m supposed to behave, being a child of God.” Is there an endless flow of negative thoughts, fears, and stumbling blocks that have appeared in your mind towards the truths you know about your Creator? I know I’m asking a lot of questions and this might seem a bit intrusive. Maybe even a bit…awkward. Do you sometimes…or sometimes all the time…think, “I can handle this. My faith it strong. I love the Lord and I will not let this destroy me.” All of these things are valid but there are missing words that you may not be thinking about when you get to the point of having to voice this sentence. Let me give you something to think about by rephrasing this sentence.
“With God, I can handle this, because in HIm, all things are possible. My faith in Him and His faithfulness is strong. I love the Lord and He loves me. He dwells inside of me and He will not let this destroy me.”
What differences do you see in that second sentence? The difference is I spoke the truth from His Living Word into my mind, my heart, and my spirit. I reminded myself of Who I have fighting for me. Depending on if you said those words aloud, you let the enemy know that you are standing on a strong foundation. You are letting him know that you are rooted in truth and his lies can’t stand against God’s truth. If you have asked the Lord into your life, and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God has given the gift of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. You have God’s essence and presence inside of your heart and spirit. The only thing the enemy has access to is your mind. That is where he sets up his strongholds and whispers his lies. This is where he studies you, listens to what you speak to yourself and others. This is where he schemes and gets you to doubt the goodness, faithfulness, and might of our God. God has given us everything we need to block that access and tear down those strongholds.
Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. Since Shanna and I started this ministry and began to go public with it, I have been hit with an endless onslaught of negative thoughts, images, reasons to quit, fear for the success of God’s message through us, my ability to do what He has asked me to do…all the things, that are not of God. I have been fighting a spiritual battle. Endless prayer, guilty feelings of inferiority and begging His forgiveness for being weak when I should be the one who is strong because of my faith. Well…I’ll be completely honest with you. It is because of my strong faith and calling that I am having this issue.
Wednesday nights I teach a Bible study class at my church for our women’s group. They are always a blessing, but this past Wednesday night, through these women, God showed up, and showed me that He hears me, and He sees my struggle. He showed me that it’s all going to be ok, because He is with me. I always start the meeting going over the prayer list, and adding to it each week. Prayer is a mighty tool. As I was finishing up reading the list, one of the women in my class said she wanted to pray for my ministry. She said she feels like the enemy is attacking it and feels like we need to pray as a group for me and the ministry. I was shocked because I had not told anyone but God about the struggle I had been going through. They all came up and gathered around me in a circle and embracing each other we bowed our heads. She said the most beautiful prayer over the list and over me and the ministry. Rebuking the enemy’s power and elevating the power of the Lord that is in charge of it. It was a gift from God through the godly hearts of the women that I have the privilege to know and love. My mighty circle led by the mighty hand of God. It was a powerful truth spoken against the enemy that night.
To be a person of faith is difficult. Regardless if it is a public ministry or a personal ministry you share with others. At times it can be lonely, painful, and scary. It’s not all on your shoulders, you have a mighty Guide There is a saying that I’ve heard, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” God called you into relationship with Him, regardless of the size, shape, or direction of your personal ministry. If you casually talk to someone who is struggling about Jesus and who He is, reaching out to someone in need, letting them know that “God sees you, and He loves you.” Whatever you ministry is, your calling is so great, so needed, so crucial, that the enemy will try everything he can to stop it. When you start to struggle, or you feel like you are not strong enough, faithful enough, tough enough, or scrappy enough to fight. When life gets heavy and clouds over your purpose, remember what your purpose is and remember who you have that is by your side. He is strong enough. He is faithful enough, He is tough enough, and He is inside of you. Pray to Him. Get into His Word. Find those godly, scrappy friends that will stand and fight with you. God placed those people in your life for a reason. Trust in God’s goodness and His power and don’t let the enemy succeed in silencing your testimony.
Verse References:
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
“We love, because He first love us” (1 John 4:19)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
